(NEWARK, NJ) -- The City of Newark and the Mayor's Book Club are joining with 10 sponsors to host a Literacy Fair on Saturday, July 2 from 11:00am to 3:00pm at Newark School Stadium, located at 516-566 Roseville Avenue in the City's North Ward. In case of rain, the event will be held on Saturday, July 9. At the giveaway, families and youth aged Kindergarten and below will be given free books, with the goal of the children getting prepared for both reading and school by reading 1,000 books before entering kindergarten.

"Literacy is the foundation of academic and personal achievement," Mayor Baraka said. "It is vital that we provide families and children with books and opportunities to develop their reading and comprehension skills. Our 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Literacy Fair will bring books to our youth during an enjoyable summer afternoon of fun. Thank you to our partners for their collaboration in organizing what will be a great day in Newark."

"We are pleased to work in partnership with the City of Newark and the Mayor's Book Club. Promoting the practice of everyday literacy during the early childhood years is key to the future of academic success," said Newark Public Library Director Joslyn Dixon.

"This event is the product of a coalition between the City of Newark, key anchor institutions and childcare facilities banning together to continue to make literacy a priority in Newark and to contribute to building up family libraries and avid readership," said Dr. Sharnee Brown, Chief Education Officer of the Office of Comprehensive Community Education.

At the fair, there will also be games, music, treats, bouncy houses, raffles, and a bookbag giveaway.

Sponsors for the event: include: The Newark Public Library, Reading Opens the World, Newark Board of Education Office of Early Childhood, Brick City Peace Collective, American Federation of Teachers, First Book, Newark Teachers Union, Rutgers University-Newark Department of Urban Education, Believe in Newark Foundation, and the Mayor's Office of Comprehensive Community Education.